Ft. Hood soldier pleads guilty to sexual abuse of minor

A Fort Hood soldier has pleaded guilty to federal charges of sexual abuse of a minor after authorities say he picked up a girl he met on the Internet from Illinois and hid her in his barracks on Fort Hood.

Ethan Thomas Hays, 21, faces up to 15 years in prison for the charge and sentencing is set for March 5.

According to the indictment, Hays is accused of engaging in a sexual act with a 14-year-old girl he met online after traveling to pick her up in Illinois. He is also accused of hiding her in his barrack on Fort Hood.

The factual basis document says Hays was interviewed by an FBI agent on October 31, 2013 about the case, and Hays admitted he knew the girl was only 14. He also admitted that he had sex with the girl in his barracks after he found out she was only 14, on October 17, 2013 and for several days after.

According to the factual basis, the girl was also interviewed during the investigation and corroborated those facts.

Just weeks after receiving emergency aid, the Department of Veterans Affairs is cautioning that a private-sector health program backed by President Donald Trump could run low on money again sooner than expected.More >>

Just weeks after receiving emergency aid, the Department of Veterans Affairs is cautioning that a private-sector health program backed by President Donald Trump could run low on money again sooner than expected.More >>